The tragic assassination of conservative leader Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University (UVU) has raised critical questions about campus security. An Associated Press review found that the university lacked standard safety measures in place at similar events across the country.
On September 10, when Kirk appeared at UVU to debate students, the security layout left him exposed, particularly with nearby rooftops providing a vantage point for an attacker. Despite favorable weather for aerial surveillance, no drone was deployed to monitor the area, and the event was patrolled by just six officers.
In this environment of inadequate security, a sniper was able to shoot Kirk from a distance of roughly 400 feet without being detected. As a result of these failures, many are now calling for a thorough review of campus security policies and practices at UVU.
Former security officials have criticized the school for being underprepared, noting that the forces available were insufficient for an event with a large crowd of around 3,000. Observers argue that other universities with similar student bodies have better security measures in place.
While acknowledging the tragic nature of the event, the university's president, Astrid Tuminez, has refrained from commenting on detailed security failures as an external review begins.
Experts emphasize the urgent need for UVU to revise its public safety strategies, potentially including enhanced police staffing and implementation of drone technology for event security to prevent future tragedies.
